Are Dental Implants Safe?
Johns Creek/Cumming, GA

Following tooth loss, it is important that you have your missing teeth replaced as soon as possible. Replacing your missing teeth is essential for restoring the functions of your missing teeth, your smile, and your quality of life. At North Atlanta Family Dentistry, we can replace your missing teeth with dental implants. Dental implants provide many benefits over traditional treatments, including greater comfort and providing a long-term solution. While dental implants have a very high rate of success and are a very popular option, many patients are still concerned about whether or not they are a safe treatment.

What Exactly are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a modern-day treatment used to replace missing teeth. This treatment uses small titanium posts to provide support for ceramic replacement teeth. The posts are surgically placed into your jawbone. Here, your bone fuses to the posts in a natural process called osseointegration. This process stabilizes the posts within your jaw, turning them into replacement roots that hold your replacement teeth firmly in place. Dental implants are a versatile treatment that can be used to meet some different needs.

How Safe are the Titanium Posts?

Approximately 95% of the posts placed for dental implants today are a titanium alloy. This is a material that consists of titanium as well as other metals that help to increase the strength of the post. Titanium has been used for implants since it was discovered that bone fuses to the material in the 1950s. Over the years, a substantial amount of research has been done on this material. It is very well understood and very predictable. Despite being made of metal, titanium dental implant posts are biocompatible. This means that, in most cases, they will not irritate the gums or the bone.

Providing You with Proper Care During Surgery

To receive dental implants, you need to undergo a surgical procedure. We take the utmost care to ensure your safety and your comfort during surgery. Before we begin, a local anesthetic is provided. This numbs the treatment area so that you do not feel any pain during the procedure. Sedation is also provided. Sedation helps you to remain calm, relaxed, and comfortable during treatment so that we can place your dental implants safely and effectively.

After surgery is complete, you will be provided with aftercare instructions. These instructions help you to deal with common post-surgical issues, like pain and swelling. They help you with what to eat, what to avoid, and how to take care of your mouth while you heal. Following these instructions helps you to avoid any complications that can negatively impact your oral health and the success of your dental implants.

What Risks are Associated with Dental Implants?

While implants are incredibly safe and have a very high rate of success, there are still some risks that are associated with the procedure. These risks include:

•	A risk of corrosion. Corrosion can shorten the lifespan of your dental implant posts.
•	Reacting with other metals in your mouth. Titanium can react with the metals in amalgam fillings. This risk is very small.
•	Allergic reactions. If you are allergic to the metals in titanium implants, it can cause irritation, swelling, and discomfort.

More Information

Dental Implants FAQ
Benefits of Dental Implants
How Long do Dental Implants Last?
Smoking and Dental Implants

Dental implants have been around for several decades now. There is a substantial amount of research behind them. The procedure is predictable and very safe. If you have any questions or concerns, contact North Atlanta Family Dentistry at (470) 387-0500 today.